Beertopia: Dogfish Head Brewery’s 60 Minute IPA

This column reviews a beer based on aroma, appearance, taste and palate (mouthfeel). At the end of each review, we score the beer based on a five-star system (one star meaning you will likely regret ever drinking such a horrible concoction, five stars meaning it’s your new favorite beer, and two, three, and four stars falling somewhere in between).

Founded by Sam Calagione in 1995, Dogfish Head Brewery is located in Milton, Delaware. Dogfish Head brews nine year-round beers, a number of seasonal brews, “occasional rarities,” and a small selection of spirits. The company also runs Dogfish Head Alehouse, a brewpub with locations in Virginia and Maryland, and a recently opened Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware. Without a doubt, Dogfish Head is best known for its line of India Pale Ales, with its best-seller being the 60 Minute IPA.

Brewed with Northwest hops, 60 Minute has a pleasant aroma. If you’ve never had it before, you’ll quickly notice those hops in the nose, followed by notes of citrus and pine. 60 Minute pours a hazy, golden color and has a sturdy off-white head that leaves a good amount of lacing as it dissipates.

Although the taste is slightly less hoppy than the smell, it is still excellent. The pine, citrus, and grassy flavors are well-balanced, which gives a consistency to 60 Minute that many inferior beers lack. A medium body and carbonation level lead to a smooth, dry finish that will have you wanting a next sip right away.

Overall, this is a solid beer. I’m not sure why it took me so long to get around to trying 60 Minute, but it’s quickly become a go-to choice. At only 6 percent ABV, 60 Minute is also one of the best session beers around. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already.